Eh, it’s been a pretty boring break week. Just finished a reread of Elbaf because I wanted to see how it would hold up on a binge. Overall, it’s been super fantastic. 31 chapters long so far and the only noticeable declines were at the beginning (1127-1129), those Road chapters were just a little too pointless and boring. And also, the several chapters focusing on the giants fighting the dream monsters (1144-1147), unfortunately, even on a reread these chapters just don’t hold up, just very slow pacing. Besides that though, Elbaf has been pretty consistent. Full of hype moments, fun action, and incredible reveals. I was able to narrow down my 5 favourite chapters so far. Plenty of honourable mentions: the Gaban and Shamrok introduction chapters, the Imu domi reversi and some of the Rocks stuff.

5 - 1133 (Robin Reunion)

- Just a great emotional chapter, I know some people dislike the Saul reveal, but I think it works fine and I’m glad he was alive so Robin could have this moment. The additional flashback only adds to Robin’s sad past and her interaction with Saul at the end was super heartwarming. Very well done chapter and I was glad to see one of the strawhats actually come into limelight again after their overall disappointing presence in Egghead.

4 - 1130 (Loki Introduction)

- This is my favourite character introduction in One Piece. The entire chapter builds up to his reveal, with the panel showing him for the first time being perhaps my favourite in the series. The scale between him and Luffy is just so insane and it’s incredibly well drawn by Oda. This also leading into the first actual appearance of the Elbaf island was also super exciting and coming off of the lacklustre Road chapters only made this moment more exciting.

3 - 1138 (Harley reveal)

- Shamrok using his Cerberus weapon on Loki was cool but the whole ending is where this one stands out, maybe the coolest lore drop the series has ever had. That last full double page showing the 3 worlds along with Robin’s narration from the Harley was so unbelievably exciting. So many interesting theories coming from this chapter.

2 - 1155 (Rocks in Holy Land)

- Insane seeing the beginning of Rocks. Him in the holy land with Imu was incredibly badass. The clash with Harold was cool. Additional lore revolving around Davy Jones was interesting and witnessing the beginning of the Rocks crew was exciting. Definitely the best of the ‘Rocks’ chapters so far.

1 - 1149 (Gaban fight, Imu reveal, Brook lore)

- Potentially unpopular but this is my favourite chapter of the bunch so far. Gaban vs Sommers was fun and it was very satisfying watching him get put down so quickly. And then seeing Gaban lose right after because of his son was pretty sad. That’s not to mention Chopper finally being useful and using his brain. The connection between Brook and Gunko being revealed. And Imu arriving at the end to cause mayhem. So hype. This chapter genuinely has it all. Good action, emotion and hype. Unlike some of the other chapters which have a couple slow moments here and there, this was the most consistently fantastic chapter in my opinion, so much happens in it and it really sets the stage for the remainder of the 

What’s crazy though is that even though I think these are all like 10/10 chapters, I’m fully expecting future chapters in this arc to be even better. God Valley flashback? Potential Shanks vs Loki? Loki and Luffy vs Imu? Usopp finally getting off his ass and doing something? Second Brook Flashback? Ah, I’m super excited for what’s to come, if Oda pulls out all the stops, I’m expecting an easy Top 5 One Piece arc out of Elbaf. What do you all think? What’s everyone’s personal top so far?


My Top 5 Chapters of Elbaf So Far!